When to Stop Swaddling Your Newborn
Stop swaddling immediately when your infant shows any signs of attempting to roll over, which typically begins around 2-4 months of age. 1
Critical Safety Timeline
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides clear guidance that swaddling must be discontinued as soon as rolling attempts begin, because the risk of SIDS increases dramatically if a swaddled infant rolls to the prone position. 1
Age-Based Risk Considerations
- Infants under 2 months: Swaddling carries baseline risks but rolling is not yet a concern 2
- 2-4 months: This is when most infants begin showing signs of rolling—this is your critical window to stop 3
- After 6 months: If still swaddling at this age, the risk approximately doubles, making cessation urgent 2
The Rolling Risk
The danger escalates exponentially based on sleep position when swaddled: 2
- Prone (face-down) position: 13-fold increased SIDS risk
- Side position: 3-fold increased SIDS risk
- Supine (back) position: 2-fold increased SIDS risk
Even when placed on their back, once infants can roll, they may end up prone while swaddled—creating a lethal combination. 1, 2
How to Recognize Rolling Readiness
Watch for these developmental signs that signal it's time to stop: 3, 4
- Infant can lift head and chest during tummy time
- Attempts to turn or shift position during sleep
- Shows increased upper body strength and coordination
- Typically occurs between 4-6 months, but can begin earlier 1
Additional Safety Concerns Beyond Rolling
While rolling is the primary reason to stop, swaddling carries other risks throughout its use: 1
- Hip dysplasia: Tight swaddling with legs in extension and adduction can cause developmental hip problems
- Overheating: Especially if head becomes covered or infant has infection
- Reduced lung capacity: Tight chest wrapping can impair breathing
- Impaired arousal: May decrease infant's ability to wake in response to breathing problems
The Bottom Line
There is no evidence that swaddling reduces SIDS risk, and it clearly increases risk once rolling begins. 1 The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine swaddling as a SIDS prevention strategy. 1 If you choose to swaddle for calming purposes in the early weeks, you must:
- Always place swaddled infants on their back 1, 5
- Stop completely at the first sign of rolling attempts 1
- Never swaddle after 2 months if the infant shows any rolling capability 3
- Ensure proper technique with hips flexed and loose around the legs 1, 6
The safest approach is to transition away from swaddling by 2 months of age, before rolling typically begins, to eliminate any risk. 3, 2